Edinburgh Napier University

  Under the CNR (Italy) and RSE (Scotland) joint scientific cooperation agreement, the project deals with the development and enhancing understanding of the technical clashes and engineering solu-tions required to deliver net-zero outcomes across diverse construction systems both in new build and retrofit. This paper relates to the comparison between the two research groups about the acoustic and energy standards and low carbon measures in force in both countries. The sound insulation re-quirements and energy efficiency for residential buildings are mandatory in both Scotland and Italian building regulations. Sound insulation performance compliance is undertaken via on-site testing after completion of construction works. Importantly the specification for energy efficiency changes (and improvements) to the fabric of buildings often clash in terms of the material properties and perfor-mance functions for sound insulation. Thus, it is critically important for the specification changes in building materials for energy efficiency do not negatively impact noise and vibration sound insulation and vice versa. This can lead to non-compliance resulting in noise disturbance complaints by build-ing occupants or loss of performance for energy efficiency. The paper characterizes some of the regu-latory factors, clashes in material outcomes and recommends the importance of multi-factor knowledge across building performance measures